Have I ever told you that one of my goals in baseball is to someday play in Japan? Oh yes, it totally is. The food, the cartoons, the video games… I must go there someday. Many people scoff at this because they believe baseball in the US to be the premier place to play, and maybe it is in terms of money and following. But this train of thought discounts one very big draw that Japan holds over me: adventure.
I’ve been playing baseball over here in the U S of A all my life. I’ve enjoyed my time immensely, but, the wanderlust is still here, speaking to me, beckoning me, (in subtitles, of course). What would it be like to play on the other side of the world, to play in a country that has been around for centuries longer than ours? A country so different it must feel like another world. A country that has brought us such wonderful things, like Sushi, Samurai swords, Godzilla and Super Mario?.
As you can see, I have my reasons to pay attention when there is fresh news about Japan, and if you been watching world events lately you’ve seen, as I have, the devastation that has struck the country form concurrent earthquakes and Tsunamis. Reader, the people there need our prayers, support, and financial relief. Maybe you’ve already acted on this, and for that I thank you. Maybe you aren’t interested or aren’t a situation to act, and that’s okay. Some of you, however, might be on the fence about the issue, and to you I offer this— Because Japan is not a third world country it is my fear many people will make the assumption that because Japan is in a better situation than, say, Haiti, it does not need our help, and can fend for itself. True, Japan has a lot going for it that other countries if put in this situation wouldn’t, but, need a I remind you that America had a lot going for it when Katrina struck and we are still working hard to recover from that. Don’t look for reasons to be hard hearted if you feel led to help.
I’m an athlete, for the time being, and as long as I am one I will use my platform for as much positive impact as I can.That’s why I’m writing this. I’ll never tell you you MUST donate to a cause I champion, but I will do my best to encourage you toward things I think will help those in need or at disadvantage. And I’ll use any means I can to “help” you do so. So, if you follow this link to a Mercy Corp Fundrasing page I’ve set up, and make a donation of $50 or greater, save the confirmation screen shot, then email it to me along with your phone number, I’ll call you via Skype and thank you personally— and yes, we can talk about Godizlla and Baseball, if you want. Maybe I’ll even send you a shirt or autograph… who knows? Guess you’ll have to donate and find out.
Even if you donate at another site of your choosing, my offer stands: confirmation screen shot, phone number= happy time chat. I’ll run this phone call option for the next 48 hours. Donate between now and then, and we’ll chat. If it goes really well, I’ll extend it.
Thanks for listening, caring, and acting.